Kirsty Alberts
Clinical Psychologist
I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Cape Town. I work with adults in coping with life's challenges and harnessing their potential to thrive.
About me
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist based in Cape Town. It may come as no surprise, then, that I have a passion for working with people in their journeys toward healing and growth. What is less obvious is that I took a long and windy route to getting to a place where I am doing the work that I love. I first worked in the corporate world before re-evaluating what matters to me and returning to my true passion.
I have an appreciation for the messiness and complexity that life can sometimes bring. I believe it is never too late to become the person you want to be, or to feel the way you want to feel. Overcoming the challenges to getting there often requires being really honest with yourself. That can be difficult to do. It can help to have someone you can trust to walk alongside you, without judgment or expectation.
My training and experience
I completed my Psychology Honours (cum laude) at the University of Johannesburg in 2005. After a diversion into the corporate world, I returned to complete my Masters in Clinical Psychology and Community Counselling (cum laude) at Stellenbosch University in 2019.
Prior to entering private practice, I worked in the public health sector, providing in-patient and out-patient psychological services at Valkenberg Hospital, Alexandra Psychiatric Hospital, Groote Schuur Hospital and Khayelitsha District Hospital. I also serviced several primary health care clinics. Over the years, I have volunteered at Alzheimer's South Africa, Lifeline Western Cape, and SAYes Youth Mentoring.
My approach
My approach is rooted in a deep respect for each individual and his or her experience. We do the things we do, and we feel the things we feel, for unique and valid reasons - usually because in some way, this helped to protect us in the past. Sometimes, these thoughts and behaviours are no longer helpful to us today. The good news is that we have within us everything we need to make the changes that will allow us to thrive.
Because each of us is so different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting there. We will work together, and at your pace, towards the healing, meaning and growth you desire. I provide a safe and compassionate space to facilitate this. I have various tools in my toolbox that can help in that journey: from the more in-depth and relationship-focused (Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy) to the more structured and goal-oriented methodologies (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy and Brain-Working Recursive Therapy).
Areas of interest
I work with individuals who are experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including relationship and interpersonal problems, stress and burnout, as well as conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, PTSD and trauma. I also work with people seeking personal exploration and growth.
An area of special interest for me is women's mental health. I enjoy working with mothers and expectant parents as they navigate the transitions of parenthood.
My services
I offer individual adult psychotherapy. Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long. Typically, we will meet once a week, although sessions can be scheduled more or less frequently depending on your needs.
The first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We will talk about the reasons you are seeking therapy, and how we might work together to achieve your goals.
How many sessions are needed will depend on what brings you to therapy in the first place, and what your particular circumstances are. Shorter-term therapy (10-15 sessions) focuses on particular goals, whereas longer-term therapy allows for more open exploration and personal growth. We will discuss what works best for you.
Fees
Fees are payable after each session. My fees are in line with medical aid rates, which are set annually by the South African Council of Medical Schemes. Please contact the practice for the most up-to-date rates.
Certain medical aid plans provide cover for psychological services. I recommend that you contact your medical aid to find out what your specific plan covers. Although I am not contracted in to particular medical aids, I am registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders, which means that you can submit a claim to your medical aid for reimbursement if you have applicable available benefits.
Regardless of which medical aid plan you are on (e.g. a hospital plan only), medical aids are required by law to provide up to 15 psychotherapy sessions to individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for certain Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) conditions. If you meet the criteria for one of these conditions, I will assist you in applying for this benefit from your medical aid.
Contact Me
Please feel free to contact me to book a session or if you have any questions.
Email: kirsty@psychology-capetown.com
Address: Oakdale Practice,16 Oakdale Road, Newlands
